Chapter 380 Alchemy and Getting Beaten Up
Wu Dongxiao... what else can Wu Dongxiao do?
Of course, I could only muster all my concentration and quickly began refining the pills.
·
Zhong Cai had already devised a plan in her mind of 180 ways to make Old Wu beat the brat 360 times if he was going to be so disappointing.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to comfort him when he heard that his son might even have to go out and buy disguise pills.
Although, based on the parts of the plot he knew, the child's strength at this stage had not yet reached the Fusion Realm, and his alchemy skills had not yet reached the fifth level, he had not taught the child any of these skills in the original book!
He and Lao Wu have created such good conditions for their son, so his son should have a much smoother path than in the original book. But if his cultivation level improves while his alchemy skills don't improve at the same time... how embarrassing would that be!
so……
Anyway, he'll see what the kid is capable of first.
At that moment, Zhong Cai saw Wu Dongxiao take out a very discreetly concealed gourd.
After the gourd was opened, a burst of wood and fire energy erupted from it, followed by a string of pale red flames that quickly rushed to the bottom of the alchemy furnace and instantly enveloped the entire furnace.
Zhong Cai's mood improved slightly.
The way he manipulated wood and fire just now was quite skillful.
Moreover, wood and fire are level five.
The kid might actually be a level 5 alchemist.
But then again, since he's already a level five alchemist, what's that kid so nervous about? Are you kidding him?!
anger.
·
Several baskets of medicinal herbs appeared around Wu Dongxiao with a "whoosh," all of good quality.
Zhong Cai glanced at the medicinal herbs and stroked her chin.
There are many pill formulas that can be used as the main ingredient, but if we also include auxiliary ingredients, these should be used to refine disguise pills and herbal pills.
Herbal Elixir is for healing wounds, and Disguise Elixir is for changing appearances.
So, this kid also knows how to make disguise pills.
Zhong Cai frowned, grabbed Wu Shaogan's hand, and squeezed it several times to vent her anger—this stammering guy is your nephew!
Wu Shaogan: "..."
What else could he do? He just sat there and let them do as they pleased.
·
Wu Dongxiao's handling of the medicinal materials was also very smooth, without any mistakes or omissions, and the reaction in the alchemy furnace was also normal.
Zhong Cai nodded slightly, quite satisfied.
After all, he taught them, so every movement must be precise and not redundant; this is basic operation.
The fastest time to refine a fifth-level pill in the Fusion Realm is two hours, and this kid can't exceed that time to be considered qualified.
The success rate of pill production, the number of pills produced, and the quality of the pills produced are all evaluation criteria.
·
As Zhong Cai held his hand, Wu Shaogan noticed that she was gradually reducing her strength and focusing her attention on the batch of pills being refined. So, he turned around and held Zhong Cai's hand in return.
Xuan Bing was also watching Wu Dongxiao refine elixirs, holding a cup of tea, his expression very calm, which was obviously the case often in the past.
Wu Shaogan thought about it and decided that he still needed to treat his guests well.
He did nothing else but took out a box of pastries and silently pushed it to Xuanbing.
Then, he took out a tattered booklet and pushed it to Xuanbing in the same way.
Xuan Bing was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Wu Shaogan, only to see that Wu Shaogan just nodded at him and then looked away, his gaze falling on Zhong Cai.
...It's such a familiar scene.
Xuan Bing casually picked up a pastry and put it in his mouth, while also flipping through the old booklet.
The booklet contains the combat experience of many martial arts practitioners.
Many of the writing techniques were so exquisite that Xuan Bing was already engrossed in them after only a short while.
·
As time went on, some rather significant reactions occurred within Wu Dongxiao's alchemy furnace.
Zhong Cai was extremely familiar with these elixirs, seeing every step clearly. He also knew the duration of each reaction in the alchemy furnace and the signs that would appear.
Therefore, he also mentally "scored" each step of Wu Dongxiao's alchemy process.
An hour has passed so far, and there have been no points deducted.
not bad.
·
However, after an hour and a half, Zhong Cai narrowed his eyes.
The medicinal material Wu Dongxiao was processing was insufficient in medicinal properties and had to be supplemented with other similar medicinal materials. This resulted in a longer refining time, and he had to carefully control the temperature of the wood fire to ensure the balance of medicinal properties of the other medicinal materials in the furnace.
Therefore, this newly added redundant action makes it impossible to complete the alchemy process at the fastest speed.
Zhong Cai: Deduct 10 points.
Wu Dongxiao continued refining.
In the following steps, Wu Dongxiao's movements were not very precise, and there were quite a few minor problems.
Fortunately, there were no mistakes in the refining process, and no furnace explosions occurred.
After two and a half hours, the batch of pills was finally successfully refined.
Zhong Cai noticed that Wu Dongxiao had a slightly relieved expression on his face.
Does this mean that this kid isn't confident about whether this batch of pills will turn out successfully?
Meanwhile, Wu Dongxiao began collecting the elixir.
The furnace lid was opened, and the fragrance of cinnamon wafted out.
Wu Dongxiao raised his hand and scooped out four pills from inside.
One is of superior quality, and three are of medium quality.
It is indeed the Hundred Herbs Elixir.
Wu Dongxiao silently held the pill in his palm, a guilty look flashing across his face once again.
Zhong Cai suddenly understood.
So it turns out this guy isn't insecure about not becoming a level 5 alchemist, but rather about his insufficient alchemy skills.
·
Zhong Cai solemnly said, "Bad, very bad, extremely bad."
Wu Dongxiao lowered his head, revealing a ashamed expression.
Zhong Cai continued, "A pill that could be refined in two hours took two and a half hours. In that wasted half hour, how many pill formulas did you memorize and learn, and how many secret techniques did you study?"
"Moreover, if you're not good at cooking, you need to practice more. When you're cutting the leaves, you might mistake one for another. When you're peeling the scales and roots, you might not peel them completely. When you're preparing the firefly heart, you might not be able to adjust the proportions correctly, and you'll have to start over. These are all minor mistakes. If you pay more attention, you can correct them."
"The worst part is that you didn't even distinguish the medicinal properties of the herbs before you started making pills, and you ended up having to add more halfway through! And what was with you taking the blood from the forest deer's antlers? Did you learn that when your left hand was crippled?"
At this moment, Wu Dongxiao nodded silently, indicating that he had indeed learned it when his left hand was injured. Because of the injury and the special circumstances at the time, he was unable to buy healing pills and had to make them himself. As a result, his posture and habits were always a bit off, causing some redundant movements.
Zhong Cai's lips twitched slightly: "...Then why didn't you correct it after your injury healed?"
Wu Dongxiao said sincerely, "After my injuries healed, I went to escape for my life. Before I could research this kind of elixir, I came here."
Zhong Cai: "Okay."
The uncle and nephew exchanged a glance.
Wu Dongxiao said, "I'll refine the next one."
Zhong Cai: "Let's refine it."
·
The next one, which Wu Dongxiao refined, was the Disguise Pill.
This time, I was clearly much more skilled than before, and there were no mistakes in any of the steps. However, there were still some redundant movements, which caused the final pill to take an extra incense stick's time to complete.
The result of the pills was six full pills, one of which was of superior quality, four of which were of medium quality, and one of which was of inferior quality.
Zhong Cai frowned: "Not a single top-grade one, so it doesn't qualify. Let's move on to the third type."
Wu Dongxiao didn't move, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Zhong Cai: "What are you standing there for?"
Wu Dongxiao scratched his face: "Uncle Zhong, I..."
Zhong Cai suddenly understood, her eyelids twitching: "You only know two?"
So, the reason for taking out the ingredients for two types of pills wasn't because they were planning to get two types first, but because that was all they had?!
Wu Dongxiao was even more embarrassed: "Hmm."
Zhong Cai finally understood.
No wonder this kid was nervous. He only knows two kinds of level-five pills, and the quality of the pills he produces is not high, and the success rate is also unstable.
If it were an ordinary alchemist, this ability would be considered a decent level 5 alchemist. However, in the eyes of alchemists with such talent, this is not even worthy of being called a true level 5 alchemist. If one does not know at least five different pill formulas and cannot even refine pills of the highest quality, then one is not worthy of calling oneself that.
Zhong Cai's expression was serious: "What were you doing when you were in the Suspended Illumination Realm? Didn't you try to refine level 5 pills? You didn't have a pill master to assist you, so you should have worked hard on your own. Otherwise, if you lack pills to assist you in your martial arts cultivation, wouldn't that affect your ability to improve your strength?"
Wu Dongxiao nodded obsequiously, "I was negligent before, I will try harder in the future."
Zhong Cai sneered, "Why don't you just say that you neglected alchemy because you were focused on martial arts training?"
Wu Dongxiao remained silent.
Zhong Cai: "Don't keep things bottled up inside."
Wu Dongxiao said in a low voice, "I'm not making excuses, I just want to practice martial arts..." He raised his voice slightly, "If I 'make excuses,' Uncle Zhong will be angry. If Uncle Zhong gets angry, my uncle will beat me until Uncle Zhong is no longer angry."
Zhong Cai: "What you said makes a lot of sense."
Wu Dongxiao raised his eyes.
Zhong Cai: "Then, let's go and let your uncle stretch his arms and legs a bit."
Wu Dongxiao: "..."
Zhong Cai deliberately revealed a ferocious expression: "Old Wu! Go test our nephew's martial arts skills, which he has developed while neglecting alchemy!"
Wu Shaogan then released his hand, stood up gracefully, and gently replied, "Okay."
Wu Dongxiao shivered as he looked at the tender gaze that was now fixed on him.
He tried to find humor in his predicament, thinking that it was only right to suffer a bit to improve his strength.
·
The group arrived at the indoor martial arts training ground in the second hall.
While Zhong Cai was out refining elixirs, Wu Shaogan would occasionally come here to practice martial arts.
Now, this is where the uncle beats up his nephew.
Wu Shaogan took out an array plate and set it up inside the hall.
Zhong Cai and Xuan Bing were isolated outside the formation—there was a table and chairs there, where the two could eat, drink, and watch without being affected by the lingering effects of the uncle and nephew's battle.
·
Wu Shaogan faced Wu Dongxiao.
The black dragon halberd had already appeared in Wu Dongxiao's hand.
Wu Shaogan said, "Take it back."
Wu Dongxiao: "...Oh."
Wu Shaogan said calmly, "Let's test your movement technique first."
Wu Dongxiao dared not be negligent. A black light flashed in his palm, and the Black Dragon Halberd had returned to his Dao Palace. At the same time, he made full mental preparations and was ready to use his movement technique at any time.
In Wu Shaogan's hand appeared a large bow.
Without him making any move, several arrows covered in flowing light appeared on the bowstring, and then burst out like a rainstorm, blocking Wu Dongxiao from all sides in the blink of an eye.
Wu Dongxiao was also incredibly fast. No one knew where he had learned his movement technique; he was like a raging flame. The moment others saw the flames leaping, he had already disappeared in another direction.
Several arrows failed to hinder his progress at all.
However, the moment Wu Dongxiao appeared, several more arrows also came, blocking his path once again.
Wu Dongxiao once again used his movement technique to dodge like a streak of light.
And so it went, again and again.
Every arrow blocked Wu Dongxiao, but every time Wu Dongxiao managed to break free of these obstacles.
His footwork is indeed quite good.
·
Zhong Cai is now at the Fusion Realm, so theoretically he should be able to see clearly.
However, Wu Dongxiao's movements were too fast. Even with his level 5 eyesight, he could only see afterimages from time to time. If he hadn't often watched Wu Shaogan practice archery and had become accustomed to the speed of Wu Shaogan's arrows, his perception would probably have been even more blurred.
As Zhong Cai watched, she couldn't help but nod: "Dong Xiao's movement technique is indeed quite good."
Xuan Bing felt proud, but also showed a hint of pity: "They all escaped for their lives."
Zhong Cai held back her laughter, but said in a kind tone, "Fortunately, you survived."
Xuan Bing nodded as well.
Then, the two reflected on their previous conversation and fell silent again.
Something seems... off?
·
Inside the venue, Wu Shaogan was still trying to intercept his nephew.
The number of arrows increased from three or five to more than a dozen, and now it has become several dozen.
Even if the sheer number of arrows didn't form a rain of arrows, they were like shooting stars, almost forming a prison, further attacking Wu Dongxiao.
Wu Dongxiao almost reached out to block the arrows several times, but every time he was about to lose control, a powerful pressure would come down and bring him back to his senses. He would then quickly restrain himself and start dodging again.
And so, Wu Dongxiao stayed up for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
His body was already marked with more than a dozen bloody scratches from arrows, each one a testament to his inability to perfectly dodge them.
When Wu Shaogan put away his longbow, Wu Dongxiao let out a breath, feeling the burning pain in his body, and was a little frustrated.
"Uncle didn't use his full strength at level five just now, did he?"
Wu Shaogan smiled slightly.
This is the default setting.
Wu Dongxiao was even more frustrated.
Just then, a strong gust of wind swept in from the side.
Wu Dongxiao raised his hand in that direction and caught a bottle.
He opened it and saw—
Inside is the familiar Hundred Herbs Pill—of the highest quality.
In an instant, Wu Dongxiao felt that he was being mocked by Uncle Zhong again.
But he still had to take the pill, and he swallowed it quickly. The graze from the arrow disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Wu Dongxiao sighed and asked, "Uncle, what's the next test?"
Wu Shao chuckled dryly and said, "Now, use every means at your disposal to attack me."
Wu Dongxiao felt a chill run down his spine, and his expression turned solemn.
He knew that the real beating was about to begin!
·
Amidst the churning flames, it seemed as if a black dragon was constantly shifting and turning, with countless elusive black shadows shrouded in intense black firelight, bringing an extremely terrifying pressure.
The entire area seemed to be enveloped by this power. Where the black fire spread, the ground became incredibly scorched, and the surging fire energy it released was extremely powerful, seemingly capable of breaking through the defensive array—
This scene looked truly terrifying; each ball of black fire seemed to transform into a ferocious beast brimming with malevolent energy, rushing towards the center of the flames from all directions, intent on devouring the young man in brocade!
Yes, even though the sea of fire displayed such terrifying power, with raging flames, billowing hot winds, and temperatures so high that they seemed capable of scorching the heavens and earth, it still failed to invade the area within a few feet of where the young man was located.
It was as if some invisible force was separating all the flames.
The spot where the young man in brocade stood, a three-foot-square area, was surrounded by flames piling up, yet they could only intertwine and spread upwards... eventually forming a pillar of flames.
This also completely concealed the young man in brocade robes.
·
Zhong Cai said with a hint of regret, "I won't be able to see Lao Wu."
Xuan Bing gazed at the surging sea of fire and saw the black dragon churning within its massive body. Inside the dragon's head, a robust man with a face that seemed to be one with the dragon's, was constantly releasing flames.
At that very moment, the black flames on the "pillar" were quickly wiped away by some invisible force, revealing a transparent circle that perfectly showed the young man in brocade robes standing quietly inside.
So that pillar of flame... looks as if it has been split in two.
It's a bit strange.
A strange expression suddenly appeared on the face of the fire dragon.
·
This was probably a test of Wu Dongxiao's attack power when he unleashed his ultimate move, so Wu Shaogan didn't make any further moves and let Wu Dongxiao do as he pleased.
However, shortly after the pillar was completed, Wu Shaogan raised his hand and pressed it onto the black flame—
In an instant, the black flames on the pillar vanished.
Wu Shaogan's figure appeared in front of the black dragon.
He reached out his arm and forcefully grabbed into the dragon's body.
Immediately afterwards, the entire dragon completely collapsed.
Wu Dongxiao tumbled out of the black dragon's body, wielding the black dragon halberd, and charged straight at Wu Shaogan.
Wu Shaogan, holding a hard bow, flicked it upwards and deflected the black dragon halberd.
The Black Dragon Halberd swiftly changed its attack, colliding with the Hard Bow at lightning speed!
Wu Shaogan drew his bow with his right hand and thrust the sharp tip out from an odd angle—
Wu Dongxiao instantly felt a powerful force surge from the point of impact. The force was so terrifying that it knocked the Black Dragon Halberd away. Wu Dongxiao himself felt a numbness in his hand and felt as if he was about to lose his grip on the Black Dragon Halberd.
My uncle is amazing...
Wu Dongxiao could sense that his uncle was only fighting him with the abilities of a level five expert, yet he was so much weaker than his uncle! He could even sense that if his uncle hadn't held back, he wouldn't have lasted this long!
But this did not make Wu Dongxiao feel discouraged; on the contrary, it made him even more excited.
The fact that my uncle has such abilities shows that the upper limit of this realm is still very high, and he will definitely reach this highest level!
As a result, Wu Dongxiao fought more and more fiercely, and his moves became increasingly ruthless and fluid.
·
Xuan Bing, watching from outside the arena, was completely absorbed. As soon as his junior brother and Wu began to spar, he had already focused his attention, his eyes taking in a large number of combat techniques that he could learn from.
As Zhong Cai watched, she noticed that Wu Dongxiao's strength was improving at a visible rate.
Having witnessed countless battles between martial arts cultivators, Zhong Cai had a general idea of how to assess the strength of a fifth-level cultivator.
In his opinion, Dong Xiao's current combat strength is roughly at the bottom of the Sky Ranking.
As Wu Dongxiao gains strength and skill with each battle, his ranking should improve by several levels after this "guidance battle" is over...
Zhong Cai touched her chin.
This kid, just like his uncle, can increase his strength like crazy during battles. No wonder he's the protagonist and the big boss.
But as expected, his old man Wu is the best. Now that he's seen his son's progress, he's pushing him to reach his full potential...
·
In the arena, Wu Dongxiao was struck hard in the chest and flew backward, crashing into the wall protected by the formation.
An intense pain coursed through his body, but the next attack was about to strike. Wu Dongxiao instinctively rolled to the side to dodge it, then thrust the Black Dragon Halberd upwards, firmly blocking the downward slam of the hard bow.
At the same time, Wu Dongxiao swiftly dodged and sped off in another direction.
However, before he could escape even a few feet, someone appeared in front of him like a shadow, striking him on the back with a bow, sending him flying in another direction and crashing into the wall again.
Wu Dongxiao, of course, nimbly flipped over, paused with his feet, and immediately turned to the left, his black dragon halberd slashing out, unleashing a fierce bolt of lightning.
However, the Thunder Light Halberd Technique was no match for Wu Shaogan. It was directly broken by Wu Shaogan's bowstring. Then, Wu Shaogan struck Wu Dongxiao's waist with another bow, causing him to crash into the wall again.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
"Bang! Bang!"
Wu Dongxiao relentlessly attacked and was attacked, and his body repeatedly struck the wall from various angles.
The ripples on the defensive formation expanded in concentric circles.
Each time Wu Dongxiao slammed into the wall, the ripples expanded even further, proving that the force of his blows was becoming increasingly terrifying—and on several occasions, the sound of Wu Dongxiao's bones breaking could even be heard!
Perhaps it was because Wu Dongxiao's physical body was strong, or perhaps he had consumed some rare and precious herbs, but although these bone fractures were painful, they did not affect Wu Dongxiao's movements. As long as Wu Dongxiao was not hit for one or two rounds, the fractured parts of his bones could be slightly repaired, thus not affecting his next attack or resistance.
·
Xuan Bing sighed softly as he looked at the scene.
Zhong Cai counted on her fingers.
"Ten times...twelve times..."
"Dongxiao has been slammed against the wall by Lao Wu forty-seven times."
"He can really take a beating."
·
Wu Dongxiao was actually a bit stunned by the attack, but he instinctively sensed that his strength was improving by leaps and bounds.
Well... so be it if I'm a little confused.
Just... take the beating.
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